exploring generational differences: serving generation y with a workforce of baby boomers and...
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Exploring Generational Differences:Serving Generation Y with a Workforce of Baby Boomers and
Generation X
NCAPPA ConferenceMarch 7-8, 2012Charlotte, N.C.
David HolthouserDirector of Facilities Management
Davidson College
Which type of customer contact do you prefer?1) Face to Face communication
2) Email
3) Telephone
4) Texting
Which type of reward motivates you the most?1) Satisfaction of a job well done
2) Title and recognition
3) Money
4) Vacation
What is important to you?1) Your experience is respected
2) Being valued and needed in your workplace
3) Do it your way and forget the rules
4) Working with bright and creative people
Which type of leadership belongs to you?1) Top down style of management
2) Chain of Command
3) Self Command
4) Collaborative
Which best describes your interactive style?1) Individual
2) Team Player
3) Entrepreneur
4) Participative
How often do you want feedback?1) Feedback is not necessary
2) During a performance review
3) Just enough to let me know I am on the right track
4) All the time
Your loyalty is toward….1) The organization
2) The importance and meaning of work
3) Your individual goals
4) People or projects
How often do you use a computer for personal use?1) Seldom
2) Just use at work is enough for me
3) Everyday
4) Cannot live without it
How do you feel about work and money?1) Work hard to be financially secure, and do not waste your money
2) Work should be meaningful, and money should be spent on something you love
3) Work should be short so you can get to your true interest. Money is not all that important.
4) Work should be as fun as possible. Life is short, so enjoy your money.
Using the numberassociated with each answer, add up your
points total.Score 9 – 20: Typical of the TRADITIONALISTS
generation, generally referencing people born between 1922 – 1945.
Score 21 – 25: Typical of the BABY BOOMER generation, generally referencing people born between 1945 – 1964.
Score 26-30: Typical of GENERATION X, generally referencing people born between 1965 – 1980.
Score 31 – 36: Typical of GENERATION Y (also known as MILLENNIALS), generally referencing people born between 1981 – 2000.
Quiz Source: Instrument developed by T. Sesangthong for his Capstone Project: http://ectd.du.edu/uploads/19833130.pdf
Exploring Generational Differences:
David Holthouser 1969-
Director of Facilities Management2000 - present
B.S.M.E North Carolina State University 1992
(then) 31 years old, now 42
Director Experience = 0
Generation X
Robert (Bob) Collins 1946-2007
Director of Physical Plant The Citadel 1978-1990
Director of Physical Plant Davidson College1990–2000
B.A. Fresno College
Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army 1966 - 1977Two tours in Vietnam174 Attack Helicopter Company
Attended US Army Corps of Engineers training schools
Early Baby Boomer
Exploring Generational Differences:
Generation Birth Years 2013 % of Workforce
Veterans 1922-1945 2%
Boomers 1945-1964 32%
Generation “X” 1965-1980 39%
Generation “Y” 1981-2000 27%
Exploring Generational Differences:
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Exploring Generational Differences:
Raised by Depression Era Parents
Fought in World War II
Nuclear Family
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Baby Boomers b. 1945-1964
Came of Age 1960-1980
Exploring Generational Differences:
Prosperity at end of war
Nuclear Family Disintegrating
Education is a birthright
Question Authority
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Baby Boomers b. 1945-1964
Came of Age 1960-1980
Generation X b. 1965-1980
Came of Age 1980 - 1999
Exploring Generational Differences:
Raised by Boomers now turned conservative
Raised in dual income families as latch key kids
Watched parents suffer layoffs
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Baby Boomers b. 1945-1964
Came of Age 1960-1980
Generation X b. 1965-1980
Came of Age 1980 - 1999
Generation Y b. 1981-2000
Came of Age 1999- present
Exploring Generational Differences:
Raised by parents who did not want to repeat latch-key independence
Participated in multiple activities in multiple group settings
Have always known technology.
Cell phones common. Evolution of free cell minutes
Organizational Behaviors
Typically disciplined, loyal team players who work within the system. They are respectful of authority, patient and follow the rules. Obviously, they have a vast knowledge legacy to share and embody a traditional work ethic.
Boomers tend to be optimistic, ambitious, competitive, and focus on their personal accomplishments. They believe in working long-hours and expect the younger generations to adopt this approach. They have ruled the workplace for years and are comfortable in the culture they created.
Having seen their parents laid off or face job insecurity, they’ve redefined loyalty. Instead of remaining loyal to their company, they’re committed to their work and people they work with. They are skeptical, risk-takers and want fun in the workplace. They also seek more work-life balance.
They are typically team-oriented, and work well in groups, as opposed to individual endeavors. Also, they’re used to tackling multiple tasks with equal energy, so they expect to work hard. They’re good multi-taskers, having juggled sports, school and social interests growing up.
Exploring Generational Differences:
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Baby Boomers b. 1945-1964
Came of Age 1960-1980
Generation X b. 1965-1980
Came of Age 1980 - 1999
Generation Y b. 1981-2000
Came of Age 1999- present
Workplace Strengths
• Hard-working • Stable• Loyal • Thorough• Detail oriented• Focused• Emotionally mature
• Team perspective• Dedicated• Experienced• Knowledgeable• Service-oriented
• Independent• Adaptable• Creative• Techno-literate• Willing to challenge status quo
• Optimistic• Able to multitask• Tenacious• Technologically savvy• Driven to learn and grow• Team oriented
Exploring Generational Differences:
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Baby Boomers b. 1945-1964
Came of Age 1960-1980
Generation X b. 1965-1980
Came of Age 1980 - 1999
Generation Y b. 1981-2000
Came of Age 1999- present
Workplace Struggles
• Reticent when they disagree• Respect for diversity• Reluctant to buck the system• Uncomfortable with conflict• Presenteeism related to medical issues• Not as comfortable with Technology
•Nontraditional work styles of Generations X and Y• Technology replacing human interaction• Sharing praise and rewards• Balancing work and family• Uncomfortable with conflict, reluctant to go against peers
• Career development• Conflict resolution and office politics• Multi-generational team projects• Balancing work and family• Skeptical and distrustful of Authority
• Respectful communication• Functional literacy• Need supervision and structure, especially with people issues.• Reject the concept of “paying dues,” expect input immediately.
Exploring Generational Differences:
Generation
Veterans b. 1922-1945
Came of Age 1941-1960
Baby Boomers b. 1945-1964
Came of Age 1960-1980
Generation X b. 1965-1980
Came of Age 1980 - 1999
Generation Y b. 1981-2000
Came of Age 1999- present
Boomers problems with Gen X:
No company loyalty
No respect for authority
No appreciation for paying dues or tenure
Job hoppers
Are not hard workers or rule followers
Too independent – don’t see value in work
relationships
Seek work/life balance at expense of production
Boomer’s problems with Gen Y:
Desire for a flexible schedule
Lack of respect for authority
Want direction & enjoy collaboration
Their informality at work
Need to be supervised
Excessive reliance on technology
Inappropriate use of technology
Exploring Generational Differences:
Gen X’s problems with Boomers:
Too hierarchical
Distrust loyalty to company
Rules shouldn’t matter, achieving goals does
Full of double-speak, schmoozers
Too structured
Arrogant, used to dominating every trend and market place
Too focused on relationships
Not focused on getting work done
Gen X’s problems with Gen Y
Expect instant reward
Expect immediate feedback
Lack appreciation for infrastructure development
Too easily bored
Lack of respect for money
Exploring Generational Differences:
Gen Y’s problems with Boomers
Delaying retirement/no opportunities for promotion
Work obsessed
Micromanagers
Too autonomous
Resistant to change
Aversion to technology
Gen Y’s problem with Gen X
Not willing to work the time needed
Take too many risks (“dot.coms”)
Not willing to collaborate
Exploring Generational Differences:
Serving Generation Y (our current customers)
Hours of Operation
Communication Means
Role of Parents
Exploring Generational Differences:
Response Time Expected
Role of Peer opinion
Use or Misuse of Chain of Command
Telecom as a Fundamental Utility
Expectation of Sustainability
Classroom Design
Serving Generation Y (our current customers)
What are your campuses experiencing?
Exploring Generational Differences:
iGeneration?
Exploring Generational Differences:
“Mixing and Managing Four Generations in the Workforce” by Greg Hammill. http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm
“Engaging the Multi-Generational Workforce”, HR Management (http://www.hrmreport.com/article/Issue-6/Wellness,-Benefits-ANDCompensation/Engaging-the-Multi-generational-Workforce/);
“Engaging Multiple Generations among Your Workforce” by Devon Scheef and Diane Thielfoldt (http://www.keepem.com/pdf/Engaging%20Multiple%20Generations%20among%20Your%20Workforce.pdf);
Leading a Multigenerational Workforce, AARP, 2007; Managing the Multigenerational Workforce: Opportunity for Competitive Success (HR Magazine).
“Techno Gap Faceoff: Gen Y vs. Baby Boomers,” by Diane Lanzillotta Bobis (http://www.bizme.biz/bizclass/techno-gap)
“Practical Research Report #16 – Baby Boomers and Generation X: Bridging the Gap,” by Brent Zinkand Employee Selection & Development Inc.(http://www.employeeselect.com/pr16.htm)
“Gen Y vs. Boomers: Workplace Conflict Heats Up,” by David Koeppel The Fiscal Times (http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2011/11/11/Gen-Y-vs-Boomers-Workplace-Conflict-Heats-Up.aspx#page1)
Sirona Says Blog, “Ten Differences between Generation X and Generation Y Employees,” http://blog.sironaconsulting.com/sironasays/2007/12/our-futurex-ver.html
Sources:
Parting Shot: If you have not browsed your campus on You Tube, do so soon…….
Exploring Generational Differences: